yards rushing on 13 carriers for a good contribution in a

SAO PAULO - Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar said Tuesday he arrives for the World Cup at home a lot more prepared than he was four years ago, when his mistake played a part in the teams elimination in South Africa. Cesar said the difficulties he went through after the 2010 World Cup helped him become "a better professional" and made him "more focused" on his career. He admitted that he took things for granted before the World Cup in South Africa, when he arrived considered the worlds top goalkeeper. The 34-year-old Cesar said he joined Toronto FC because it was the only team that wanted him, but said his preparations were not affected by playing in a less-traditional league. He called his time with Toronto "excellent" and said he is "100 per cent" ready. "I arrive a lot more prepared than I was four years ago," Cesar said at Brazils training centre in Teresopolis, outside Rio de Janeiro. "During bad times you have to try to find some positive things, and I did. It wasnt only the elimination against the Netherlands, I also had to deal with problems at Inter Milan and then at Queens Park Rangers. I needed to find a lot of strength to come back." Cesar failed to clear a cross during Brazils quarterfinal against the Netherlands in 2010. That led to the equalizer for the Dutch, which eventually went on to beat the South Americans 2-1. Cesar said he thought about quitting football at the time, and things only got worse after he faced problems both at Inter Milan and then at Queens Park Rangers, where he was sidelined and played sparingly. "I became a better professional after the 2010 World Cup," he said. "When things are going your way, you end up relaxing a little bit more. I was very confident in 2010 because of everything that had happened until then, and I think that too much confidence can hurt. Now I can say that from personal experience." Although Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari named Cesar the World Cup starter long time ago, many still consider the goalkeeper the weakest link in Brazils squad, especially because of his lack of play in recent months. "I dont think there is pressure," he said. "I know many people are questioning me and why I was selected, but the coaches have the confidence in my game and I know that I can add a lot to this group." Cesar conceded nine goals in seven matches with Toronto in the run-up to the World Cup, but said he was able to take advantage of the time he spent in Major League Soccer. "My preparations were excellent, I feel Im 100 per cent ready for the World Cup," Cesar said. "Toronto was the only team that opened its doors for me. I talked to several clubs, including in Brazil, and the negotiations were not successful, many times because of the salaries here. But I knew I had to be playing so I could arrive well psychologically, it would have been hard if I hadnt been playing anywhere." ___ Follow Tales Azzoni at http://twitter.com/tazzoni Cheap Nike Sb Shoes Online . - The Mavericks built a 12-point lead with 2:50 to play, gave away all but two points of it, and still managed to hang on. Cheap Nike Sb Shoes Australia . The outdoor event will be played on Dec. 31 between alumni of the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers at Citizens Bank Park, the home of the Philadelphia Phillies. http://www.cheapnikesbaustralia.com/ . Head coach Lindy Ruff confirmed on Sunday that his starting goalie has a head injury and the team will take it day by day. Nike Sb Clearance Sale . "Back in 2011, when they announced that the game was coming here, we knew that it was going to be pretty important that we had a good year and hopefully could get into it, let alone win it, so I felt some pressure obviously within for sure," Taman said Monday, less than 24 hours after the Riders won the championship. Cheap Wholesale Nike Sb Shoes . -- David Ortiz saved his only hit for a key moment for the Boston Red Sox.Finally, the East regained a sense of respect with three teams winning and the Redblacks playing truly competitive football. I still feel one 9-division league would be an interesting experiment for a year but having the East beat the majority of the West was fun to watch. This week, there is only one East/West game with Hamilton playing in Winnipeg on Saturday. Although Toronto, Hamilton and Montreal all have four wins, all three teams seems to have turned a corner in football efficiency for various reasons. With the Argonauts, having Andre Durie and Chad Owens back makes a major difference to that team. Scoring 40 points is the first indicator and Owens having eight catches for 117 with a touchdown being the second. Owens is a remarkable athlete and player. His absence of hesitation and fear may be more than anyone has in his position, but he must stay healthy. A healthy Chad Owens gives the Argonauts as good a shot as any to win the East and earn a homefield playoff game. I thought one of the good stories was Steve Slaton at running back; a nice contribution with 52 yards rushing and 27 yards receiving but remember, it was Steve Slaton that was kicked out of the Calgary game because of an unnecessary roughness penalty that put his offence in a first and 25. All can be forgiven in a week and with Slatons productive contribution, you figure its time to move on. For BC, this was a tough loss for a 7-5 team that now has to go back into Calgary this week and play a 10-2 team also coming off a loss with Jon Cornish back in the lineup. Major challenge. In Hamilton, there should be optimism of genuine quality for the Ticats as we begin the last week of September football and see 0ctober on the horizon. Zach Collaros is in a grove and is now living up to the investment made many months ago. Mobile and confident, he had to take the game over due to the injury to CJ Gable and did with 318 yards passing against a good Edmonton defence. Could you imagine how the offence will hum with both Brandon Banks and OJ McDuffie back? Not sure what Eric Norwood had for his pre-game meal but whatever it was, Eric, eat it again. Seven tackles and four quarterback sacks is a special performance and, with Justin Hickman back with the team, Norwood made a statement of employment security by the end of the game. With Edmonton, 0dell Willis was dominant as the Eskimos are only one game behind Saskatchewan and that is whho they play this week at home.dddddddddddd. As the games roll on, all you can ask for is to control your playoff chances. Both Edmonton and Saskatchewan can do that. Friday night at Commonwealth will be a good game. Montreal beat the best team in the league, the Stampeders. It was a great day for Jonathan Crompton as he had a breakout game. In his fourth start, he played well and took significant steps forward. Quarterbacks coach Jeff Garcia, offensive coordinator Ryan Dinwiddie and Crompton could be a future trio of stability. Yes, I know thats a little bit too optimistic but I enjoy seeing players play well much more than I enjoy seeing them fail. Good job Johnathan Crompton. What happened to Calgary was confusing but also confusing was why Jon Cornish didnt play. I do know what a "maintenance day" is but it would have been nice to know what specifics needed to be maintained. Calgary has not clinched the West yet and need to as they are tough to beat at home. Drew Tate was 15 of 30 for 152 yards which is nothing to get excited about but it was his first start in a long, long time and he can start in this league. The surprise performer for me? Matt Walter, who had 88 yards rushing on 13 carriers for a good contribution in a losing effort. Saskatchewan 35, Ottawa 32 -- where do I begin? Well, just like Steve Slaton, well done Tino Sanseri, who was 9 for 22 against Hamilton the previous week, but 20 of 32 this week. He only had 29 yards passing in the first half but responded with 231 yards in the second; Good game for a guy under a lot of pressure all week. If you did not see Corey Chamblins halftime comments, it is worth searching. It was honest, to the point and direct. Often, coaches and players realize that some of the media obligations are perceived as a necessary evil but not this one. It came from the heart and was an energizer for all who saw it. Well done. Ottawa, Ottawa, Ottawa. They were ready to play and head coach Rick Campbell took many a risk to try to win. They are 1-10 but a better team now than they were at the start of the season. It is a massive, calculated progression to create a winning organization and I do believe 0ttawa is heading in the right direction. Best game of the year. ' ' '